The Japan Chemical Fibers Association reported that the nation’s production of man-made fibers dropped below 60,000 tonnes in March, 2009 as production decreased by 39.3% from the same month of last year to 58,911 tonnes. It was the first time in 46 years, since June 1963, that production was below 60,000 tonnes. Among major items, March production of nylon filament decreased by 48.1% to 5,012 tonnes, along with that of acrylic staple fiber by 39.7% to 8,957 tonnes, polyester filament by 50.2% to 10,463 tonnes, and polyester staple fiber by 49.5% to 8,748 tonnes.